Muscat – A new national cybersecurity strategy for 2026-2030 aimed at strengthening protection of critical infrastructure, improving readiness against cyber threats and supporting growth of the digital economy has been rolled out.

Prepared by the Cyber Defence Centre in partnership with government and private sector entities, the strategy establishes a national framework for safeguarding Oman’s interests in cyberspace and maintaining continuity of essential services.

It is built around five pillars: cybersecurity governance, cyber resilience, capacity building and awareness, cyber cooperation and the cyber economy.

The plan places particular emphasis on strengthening governance, improving cooperation between the public and private sectors and updating legislation as cyber risks become increasingly complex.

Other priorities include raising national preparedness, strengthening the ability of institutions to respond to attacks, developing specialised Omani capabilities and identifying investment opportunities in cybersecurity.

The strategy also seeks to build infrastructure capable of withstanding cyber threats while encouraging a digital environment in which businesses and government entities can innovate securely.

It is underpinned by principles including an integrated government approach, sustainable capacity building, cyber foresight, effective domestic partnerships and international cooperation.

The Cyber Defence Centre will oversee implementation between 2026 and 2030, with periodic reviews planned to measure progress and allow the strategy to respond to technological developments and emerging risks.

The strategy is aligned with Oman Vision 2040, under which digitalisation and technology are expected to play an expanding role in economic diversification and government services.

Cybersecurity has consequently become increasingly important as more public services, businesses and critical infrastructure rely on interconnected digital systems.

The strategy also places the cyber economy alongside resilience and national security, signalling efforts to develop cybersecurity as an economic sector in its own right. This includes building local expertise and creating opportunities for investment and specialised businesses.

The Cyber Defence Centre was established under Royal Decree No 64/2020 as the authority responsible for cyber defence in Oman.

Its mandate includes protecting national interests in cyberspace, coordinating responses to cyber threats and strengthening the security of digital infrastructure and essential services.

The centre is also responsible for preparing national cyber defence and security strategies, developing regulatory frameworks, policies and plans, and monitoring implementation of these in coordination with relevant authorities.

Under the new strategy, international cooperation will form part of efforts to address cyber threats that increasingly cross national borders, while domestic partnerships are expected to strengthen information sharing and preparedness across government and industry.